Winter Sport Safety

‘Tis the season for partaking in fun outdoor activities. Keep your feet safe this winter by following these tips:

Ice Skating

·         Skates that fit properly should leave enough room for your toes and provide enough ankle support to keep you upright.

·         Having a professional sharpen the blades will ensure your skates work properly on the ice.

·         Know how to stop and fall safely to prevent twisted ankles.

Snowboarding and Skiing

·         Boots need to fit your feet snugly. Too much wiggle room can cause problems.

·         Boots need to be flexible enough so the body can twist to control the board or skis.

·         The boots need fit your board or skis correctly.

·         It is best to have a professional size you correctly.

Cross-Country Skiing

·         Cross-country footwear is attached to the ski only at the ball of the foot. Properly fitting equipment will not irritate the balls of feet.

·         Warm up your lower body, paying special attention to your heel since it will be moving up and down constantly.

Cold Weather Tips

·         Wear insulated, water-proof footwear

·         Wear socks that wick away moisture

·         Wet feet can result in frostbite. If feet get wet from the snow, go back indoors to dry off.

·         Make sure to stretch before doing any outdoor activities. Lower temperatures means muscles take longer to warm up, which can leave you vulnerable to muscle injuries.

Image by Trysil. Ski I Trysil. (2011). Flickr.